Illaroo Road principal faces an epic ride

By
DAYLE LATHAM

THE fact he’s “not a particularly good bike rider” and his “fitness levels are not quite what I hoped for” won’t stop Illaroo Road Public School principal Graham Tink from taking on a 4000km riding challenge.

The fact he’s “not a particularly good bike rider” and his “fitness levels are not quite what I hoped for” won’t stop Illaroo Road Public School principal Graham Tink from taking on a 4000km riding challenge.

On Sunday, September 1 Mr Tink will set off on a bike ride from Bathers Beach, Fremantle in Western Australia.

Around 30 days later, during the October school holidays he hopes to ride into Illaroo Road Public School after 4000km west to east across the country.

“My family and friends think I am crazy,” Mr Tink said.

“But the idea has been in my head since 2009 when I did the Gulf to Gulf ride from Port Augusta to Karumba.”

Despite his self-confessed limitations, Mr Tink said he was determined to give it his best shot.

“In preparing for the ride, I keep thinking about our wonderful school motto, ‘Reach for the sky’,” he said.

Mr Tink said he had the support of a good team of people around him.

“Rob Wallace is a retired Western Australian wheat farmer I met on the Gulf to Gulf ride,” he said.

“He is a great bloke to have on any team. He is always positive encouraging everyone to enjoy the experience.

“He has three mates accompanying him on the ride. I know that they will also be strong characters and good team players, so I am really looking forward to meeting them and sharing the adventure.”

They have set up a web page to raise money for autism.

Mr Tink would also like to raise money for the school with his ride.

When the Student Representative Council found out about what he was doing, they decided to organised some fund-raising activities to support the ride.

The money raised will be managed by the students and used to buy resources for physical education or performing arts programs.

The P&C is also helping by getting sponsorship from local businesses.

Mr Tink and his team of fund-raisers would love to hear from any local businesses or individuals interested in either sponsoring the ride or donating items which can be raffled.

For more information phone the school on 4421 0422.

During the ride, Mr Tink also hopes to blog on his progress and updates can be found at www.illaroo-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/mr-tink-s-blog